The Senators captain, who has been outstanding after off-season back surgery, was the club's nominee for the Bill Masterton Trophy in voting done by the local chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association.

The Masterton Memorial Trophy is given to the NHL player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. The 39-year-old Alfredsson qualifies in every category.

"It's an honour to be nominated and to be able to come back from a very tough and frustrating year last year," said Alfredsson Thursday. "There were a lot of unknowns having surgery in the summer.